Countdown to No. 1: The Top 175 Maryland athletes in Baltimore Sun history – Nos. 55-41

55. Kevin Durant, basketball

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Consider the accolades already bestowed on the 23-year-old player who grew up in Seat Pleasant. He was 2007 National College Player of the Year at Texas (the first freshman to win the award), was 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year and is a two-time league scoring champion (26.2 career average). Durant, a 6-foot-9 forward, was Most Valuable Player of this year's NBA All-Star Game.

Consider the accolades already bestowed on the 23-year-old player who grew up in Seat Pleasant. He was 2007 National College Player of the Year at Texas (the first freshman to win the award), was 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year and is a two-time league scoring champion (26.2 career average). Durant, a 6-foot-9 forward, was Most Valuable Player of this year's NBA All-Star Game. (Getty Images)

He starred at Maryland State (now UMES), where the 6-foot-5, 265-pound tackle played both ways for the Hawks and twice was an All-American. A third-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1968, he spent 15 years as an offensive tackle in the NFL, made eight Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls. In 1989, Shell took the reins for the Los Angeles Raiders as the first black head coach in the NFL modern era. He's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He starred at Maryland State (now UMES), where the 6-foot-5, 265-pound tackle played both ways for the Hawks and twice was an All-American. A third-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1968, he spent 15 years as an offensive tackle in the NFL, made eight Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls. In 1989, Shell took the reins for the Los Angeles Raiders as the first black head coach in the NFL modern era. He's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (UMES photo)

To celebrate the 175th anniversary of The Baltimore Sun, reporter Mike Klingaman has compiled a list of the top 175 athletes who were either born or raised in the state of Maryland, or who competed here for at least three years. The athletes are ranked based on their performance, their impact on sports and their lasting resonance with fans. Coaches and managers are not included. Every Friday, we'll reveal 15 members of the Top 175. Here are Nos. 55 through 41.